If you’ve been dealing with lower back pain, sciatica, or neck stiffness, you may have come across something called the McKenzie Method, a popular, exercise-based approach to managing spine-related pain.
But what exactly is it? Does it actually work? And how does it compare to other options, like chiropractic care?
At Re-LAX Chiropractic, we often see patients who’ve tried McKenzie stretches at home or through physical therapy. Sometimes they get relief, and sometimes, they need a more customized, hands-on approach.
Let’s break down what the McKenzie Method is, how it works, and how it fits into your overall recovery plan.
What Is the McKenzie Method?
The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is a system developed by physical therapist Robin McKenzie in the 1950s. It focuses on using specific, repeated movements to help reduce pain caused by spinal disc issues, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation.
It’s commonly used for:
Low back pain
Herniated or bulging discs
Sciatica
Neck pain
Pain that radiates into the arms or legs
Instead of relying on passive treatments (like heat, ultrasound, or massage), McKenzie therapy teaches patients how to move their body in specific ways to centralize or reduce their pain.
How It Works
The method begins with a movement assessment, where a trained provider watches how your pain responds to certain movements, such as bending forward, backward, or to the side. Based on that response, you’ll be given a series of simple exercises to do at home throughout the day.
The most famous McKenzie exercise? Probably the prone press-up, a stretch many people use to relieve sciatica or disc-related low back pain.
The goal of these exercises is to:
Centralize the pain (bring it out of your leg or arm and into your back)
Restore range of motion
Build independence in managing pain
Avoid dependency on long-term therapy
What Makes the McKenzie Method Different
Here’s how it stands out:
It’s active, not passive, you do the work
It’s based on self-treatment, so you can often manage your pain at home
It promotes awareness of posture and movement habits
It’s focused on long-term function, not just short-term pain relief
Does It Actually Work?
Yes, for the right patient, the McKenzie Method can be very effective, especially in cases of discogenic pain (pain from spinal discs). Studies have shown that patients with directional preference (pain that improves with certain movements) respond well to McKenzie-based protocols.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people may:
Not see progress without hands-on joint mobilization
Need soft tissue release in combination with movement therapy
Have structural or alignment issues that can’t be corrected with exercise alone
That’s where chiropractic care can offer added support.
Chiropractic vs. McKenzie Method: Do You Need Both?
While chiropractic and McKenzie exercises approach pain differently, they’re not opposites, they can work beautifully together.
At Re-LAX Chiropractic, we often integrate:
Gentle spinal adjustments to improve joint motion
Active Release Technique (ART) to release tight muscles and nerve tension
Postural guidance and stretches, including McKenzie-style exercises
Decompression therapy, when appropriate for disc pressure relief
If you’ve tried McKenzie exercises and didn’t get full relief, the missing link may be spinal alignment, soft tissue tension, or lack of personalized assessment.
Chiropractic vs. McKenzie Method: Do You Need Both?
While chiropractic and McKenzie exercises approach pain differently, they’re not opposites, they can work beautifully together.
At Re-LAX Chiropractic, we often integrate:
Gentle spinal adjustments to improve joint motion
Active Release Technique (ART) to release tight muscles and nerve tension
Postural guidance and stretches, including McKenzie-style exercises
Decompression therapy, when appropriate for disc pressure relief
If you’ve tried McKenzie exercises and didn’t get full relief, the missing link may be spinal alignment, soft tissue tension, or lack of personalized assessment.
When to See a Chiropractor
If you’re experiencing:
Back pain that keeps returning
Pain that shifts from one side to the other
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your limbs
Neck stiffness that doesn’t improve with stretching
Frustration with home exercise plans that aren’t working…
…it’s time to get checked. A proper chiropractic assessment can help uncover the deeper causes of your pain and build a plan that’s tailored to your body.
📍 Visit Us 📍
Re-LAX Chiropractic
8929 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
🌐 https://re-laxchiropractic.com
Curious if McKenzie-style therapy or chiropractic is right for you?
Book a visit with Dr. Christina Yang and let’s create a recovery plan that works, naturally and effectively.